Behind the Books: Week One as a German Intern Experience in Ireland

Behind the Books: Week One as a German Intern Experience in Ireland by Neela Adenäuer 22.05.26

Introduction
Hello everyone, My name is Neela and I am interning with ShadowScript Wordsmiths.

Starting an internship might not sound like the typical school assignment, but this is exactly what I am doing this spring. I am originally from Germany and my school wants us to gain real workplace experience and explore possible career interests. I knew immediately that I did not want to stay in Germany as travelling to new places and getting to know new people is what I really enjoy. Additionally, I have always liked books and writing. I was curious to understand the business behind it all. Therefore, ShadowScript seemed to be the perfect fit for me. So, I applied, waited, and got the internship.

Now, after travelling across Ireland, from Dublin to Galway and back again, I have officially completed my first week interning with the ShadowScript Group. It was an extremely eventful week. Thanks to my boss’s hands-on approach, I did not just sit around watching. I was involved from the get-go in everyday work, in which I learnt numerous skills, such as content creation, and was able to apply these in my work. Through this first week, the publishing world has become less of a mystery to me but rather a complex puzzle which requires countless people and dedicated hours of hard work to solve. Definitely an experience one cannot get in a classroom.

Weekend Work
Upon landing at Dublin Airport on Saturday, the 16th of May, I received a warm welcome and was promptly driven to Galway with a stop at the ShadowScript headquarters. Here I met my boss, Dr Niall MacGiolla Bhuí, Head of Client Advocacy at the ShadowScript Group, and already got involved in the preparations for the next day’s book launch.
A publisher's work never ceases; not even on a weekend.

As my first proper task for ShadowScript, I was to attend a book launch, on the Sunday after my arrival. I was delighted to attend the book launch as it had been on my ‘To Do’ list for this internship. So one box checked off. The book launch was interesting, lively, and full of joy as Katherine Scanlon’s new book, ‘Clipper the Hurl’s Campsite Adventures,’ was presented. For most of the book launch, I was managing the book sale with a ShadowScript published author, Anne Hayden. This task allowed me to understand the logistical organisation that goes into planning a book launch rather than just the execution.

I actually enjoyed this task very much as it allowed me to have an overview of the entire book launch and to quickly get in contact with the people attending the launch, which was extremely rewarding for my first day at work. However, this was not my only task on that day. I had the great honour of performing a small speech in front of those who came and presented the author with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Previously , I had not spoken publicly and in person as a member of the ShadowScript Group, therefore, this small moment created a strong sense of belonging and a drive to perform well for the rest of the week.
*Lesson learnt: Communication is key.

Monday–Tuesday Review Marathon
On Monday, the real work began. I was given a bag full of books published by ShadowScript Publications to read and review. I am still working my way through them (as you can imagine!), all of which are interesting and great reads. I started the day off with reading one of the books until meeting with Niall to discuss it and plan the tasks for the day.

The discussions I had and have with Niall are one of the most valuable parts of the internship. His insightful and clear way of explaining what goes on in the company and how their books are published allowed me to absorb a large amount of information that I find extremely interesting.

In turn, I was able to use this information in the social media book reviews which are my daily tasks. On Monday, I began lightly with two video reviews; one in German and one in English. The number of videos was then tripled the next day with a personal record of 6 videos on three different books. This large amount allowed me to learn how to quickly read and review a book, whilst making the review short and easy to understand in an Instagram video.

In between all the videos, there were sprinkles of visiting bookstores and cafés all around Galway which allowed me to immerse myself into Irish culture, adapting to new social norms. With his extensive knowledge of the history and cultural aspects of Galway, Niall was able to teach me all about the city which only increased my intrigue to know more about the place.
*Lesson learnt: There is no better way to understand the work of a publishing house than by reading, discussing and reviewing their books.

Midweek Hurling Madness
On Wednesday of the week, I returned to ShadowScript’s headquarters to complete some of my work there. I have to say, the most exciting part of that day was using Irish public transport for the first time on my own. There was a strong difference to the German transport I am used to.

However, this did not overshadow the rest of my day. After reading ‘More than the Match’ by Dr Niall MacGiolla Bhuí and Aoibheann NicGiolla Bhuí, I completed another online book review. The book was informative and thought provoking, changing my own perspective of overall sports. With a link to the book, I was then taught all about the GAA and even had my own private camogie lessons. Although not the best at the sport, I did thoroughly enjoy my time playing and learning about it.
*Lesson learnt: Always try something yourself before trying to explain it to others

Thursday Drafts & Manuscripts
Similarly to the start of the week, with the beautiful view of the Galway docks in front of me, I reviewed one more book and created a video for it. This book was called ‘Fireborn’ by ShadowScript author, Cullen Kennedy.

Once completed, a new task arose for me which was again on my ‘To Do’ list: read and review a manuscript. This was especially exciting as I had always had published stories in my hands. Now, I had the opportunity to look at an unpublished book and give my contribution to it which made the little girl inside of me squeal with joy. Over the course of the day, I was able to get through a couple of chapters and give constructive feedback where I thought it would be helpful. In the week to come I will consistently look through the manuscript whenever time allows it and develop my analysis and critical thinking skills by reviewing other people's work. An eventful day full of learning and experiences.
*Lesson learnt: Make a plan beforehand of what you want to do.

It is already Friday!
On my final day of the week, I can look back and say with certainty that the work I have done has aided me in so many aspects. Not only working with the ShadowScript Group but also being part of the team has not only given me insights into the business behind creating books but also allowed me to explore opportunities I had not even considered before. ShadowScript has brought my digital footprint to new levels, allowing for a better online image for my future.
Furthermore, I was able to learn an abundant amount about Irish culture and develop social and analytical skills throughout the week. This first week has given me so many experiences already and I am really looking forward to the new discoveries and contributions I will make next week.
*Lesson learnt: Time flies!